Tennis coach Rick Macci shared his thoughts on the difference in Naomi Osaka’s playing style at present compared to when she was the World No. 1. Macci, who is known for coaching Serena Williams and other top tennis players, believes Osaka’s movement and strategy have changed significantly since her peak.
The World No. 57 has been working on gaining momentum after returning to action in 2024 following the birth of her daughter. Osaka most recently suffered an opening-round exit at the ongoing Berlin Tennis Open.
Rick Macci on the Differences in Naomi Osaka’s Game
According to Macci, Naomi Osaka’s movement was “elite” when she was at her best, which allowed her to control the baseline effectively. The 70-year-old said that the Japanese could still be one of the best if she is able to control the center of the court well.
“When Osaka was at her best the movement was Elite and controlled the baseline with her Feet. Comparing this to her current form. Now, many times she is on her Heels and a step late with her wheels. Needs to control the center of the court and she can still be one of the best,” Macci wrote.
When Osaka was at her best the movement was Elite and controlled the baseline with her Feet. Now many times she is on her Heels and a step late with her Wheels. Needs to control the center of the court and she can still be one of the best in the sport. @naomiosaka
— Rick Macci (@RickMacci) June 18, 2025
Macci also said that Osaka’s strategy is different compared to when she was the World No. 1, adding that the Japanese needed to look at tapes of her movement from the past.
“Osaka is strategically playing different than when she was number one. In her prime on the run she could fire on a dime. Now not aggressive going wide and does not cut the court and seems to have lost a stride. All she has to do is look at tape from the past and her movement again will be fast,” the 70-year-old wrote.
Osaka is strategically playing different than when she was number one. In her prime on the run she could fire on a dime. Now not aggressive going wide and does not cut the court and seems to have lost a stride. All she has to do is look at tape from the past and her movement…
— Rick Macci (@RickMacci) June 18, 2025
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Rick Macci Believes Naomi Osaka’s Mindset is Important
The 70-year-old also said that Naomi Osaka’s recent mental struggles has impacted her recent performances. He stated that while the Japanese is a “Top 10 talent”, her mindset carries doubt.
“Osaka has lost a lot of close matches. Mentally she needs a REFRAMING EXPERT to paint a different picture. She is a top ten talent but her mindset has doubt and then she hits out. She is in a negative mental Loop but with The Right Voice she 100% can Regroup,” Macci said.
Osaka has lost a lot of close matches. Mentally she needs a REFRAMING EXPERT to paint a different picture. She is a top ten talent but her mindset has doubt and then she hits out. She is in a negative mental Loop but with The Right Voice she 100% can Regroup. @naomiosaka
— Rick Macci (@RickMacci) June 18, 2025
This notation aligns with Osaka’s own comments about her journey since her comeback. After getting eliminated from French Open 2025 in the first round, she admitted feeling pressure about what people might say is she lost matches. The Japanese has been open about her struggles with depression.